Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the eyes?

Yes. Although rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a bone and joint disease, it occasionally affects other parts of the body, such as the eyes. Eye conditions associated with rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Dry eyes
• Inflammation of the inner part of the eye (uveitis)
• Inflammation of the episclera (episcleritis), the surface membrane covering the white part (sclera) of the eye
• Inflammation of sclera (scleritis)

Treatment of dry eyes may include artificial tears. Treatment of uveitis, episcleritis and scleritis may include corticosteroid eye drops and anti-inflammatory medications.

It is important to note that dry eyes can also be a symptom of Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis and experience dry eyes, eye pain or redness, blurred vision or light sensitivity, see an ophthalmologist for an evaluation. You should also consult your rheumatologist.